ARTWORKS

George Henry Law (1761–1845), Bishop of Wells (1824–1845) (copy after William Beechey)

Henry William Pickersgill (1782–1875)

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

George Henry Law (1761–1845), Bishop of Wells (1824–1845)

Image credit: The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

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Law became Bishop of Bath and Wells aged 64, reviving Diocesan life and starting a Church Building Society. Opposing the Reform Bill in 1831, he raised the drawbridge to protect himself from the anger of the population of Wells. He established Wells Theological College and created a museum of fossils and mineralogy in the undercroft. At auction he bought medieval glass fragments from Rouen which can be seen in many of the Palace windows. As an originator of Horticultural Allotments he rented 60 acres of land in Wells to poor labourers. He assisted at Queen Victoria's coronation. Law died in Banwell and is buried in Wells Cathedral. He demolished two walls of the Great Hall to make a picturesque ruin.

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

Wells

Title

George Henry Law (1761–1845), Bishop of Wells (1824–1845)

Date

c.1827

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 140 x W 114 cm

Accession number

27

Acquisition method

possibly acquired, 1931

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens

Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD England

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Artist or maker

Henry William Pickersgill

1782–1875

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